Safety Alert - FDA Warns Consumers Not to Purchase or Use Due to Risk of Eye Infection

TOPIC: Certain Eye Drops by Several Major Brands: Safety Alert - FDA Warns Consumers Not to Purchase or Use Due to Risk of Eye Infection AUDIENCE: Consumer, Health Professional, Ophthalmology, Pharmacy  ISSUE: FDA is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands: CVS Health Leader (Cardinal Health) Rugby (Cardinal Health) Rite Aid Target Up&Up Velocity Pharma CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites. Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased. FDA has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection associated with these products at this time.  For more information about this alert, click on the red button "Read Alert" below. BACKGROUND: The products being recalled are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses. RECOMMENDATIONS:  FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility. FDA also recommends consumers properly discard these products.

Health professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: Complete and submit the report online. Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.